Cinevardaphoto

Released theatrically in 2004, Cinevardaphoto is comprised of three shorts by French New Wave maverick Agnès Varda, made between 1963 and 2004. Like Varda's recent nonfiction works, these are more visual essays—connected by the common theme of photography—than traditional documentaries, with Varda cinematically exploring the art and meaning of the still image. Salut les Cubains (1963) is constructed entirely of photos from the filmmaker's 1962 trip to Cuba and reveals a young artist intoxicated by the best of what she observed of the socialist ideal. Ulysses (1982) is more introspective and contemplative in its rumination on a picture she took in 1954 that shows a naked man, a dead goat, and a cowering child. Ydessa, The Bears and Etc… (2004), which focuses on an exhibition of photographs curated by the artist Ydessa Hendeles, finds Varda at her most curious and creative, sampling a multitude of images—each including a teddy bear—while making connections and asking questions. DVD extras include six additional shorts made between 1965-86, as well as From the Rooster to the Donkey (Hands and Objects)—a survey of Varda's short films—and a booklet with brief production notes. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (S. Axmaker)